T22.159A — Burn of first degree of unspecified shoulder, initial encounter
Is T22.159A billable?
Yes, but T22.159A is an unspecified code. T22.159A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T22.159A is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting T22.159A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
T22.159A at a glance
| Code | T22.159A |
|---|---|
| Description | Burn of first degree of unspecified shoulder, initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in T22.159A?
In T22.159A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T22.159A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T22.159A group to?
T22.159A sits in MDC 22 and helps define the logic of 1 MS-DRG (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 935Non-Extensive Burnsmedical
How is T22.159A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T22.159, the nearest indexed parent of T22.159A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Burn › shoulder › first degree (electricity) (flame) (hot gas, liquid or hot object) (radiation) (steam) (thermal)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T22.159A to fully describe the condition. T22.159A is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from T20-T25
Report an additional code alongside T22.159A to fully describe the condition. T22.159A is sequenced first.
Use additional code — inherited from T22.1
Report an additional code alongside T22.159A to fully describe the condition. T22.159A is sequenced first.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T22.159A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T22.159A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T22
The conditions below are not part of T22.159A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T22.159A and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has T22.159A existed?
T22.159A has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.